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This week on CEO-Ready, we're visiting with U.S. Pavement's Crew #2 Foreman, Kynan Mello. Kynan talks about grinding with "his guys" and what it does to morale, camaraderie, and overall team performance to work side-by-side every day. "K" as he is known, talks about how the CEO-Ready cultureis all about being mentally and physically prepared for the work every day.

Having been with the company for 7 years, both in our Concrete division and, more recently, in our Paving division, K knows the trajectory possible with one takes pride in their work and strives ("that hunger") to align their own ambitions with the company's.

This is our seventh installment in the CEO-Ready video series - Check it out! Join us again next week as we continue the exploration of this topic.

In the pavement industry, we have the advantage of an “off season” during the winter months, where pavement work in New England slows temporarily and the snow flies. This time is a perfect opportunity for debriefing, planning, setting priorities, and training.

This time on CEO-Ready, we're visiting with U.S. Pavement's Superintendent of Asphalt Maintenance, Chris Snyder. Chris brings a perspective of knowing the work, having led crews and teams in multiple divisions over the years. He talks with us about how the CEO-Ready cultureplays out in the field and the types of individuals he's looking to bring into "the family": Hungry people looking to learn, listen, and eventually lead.

Chris has led our Asphalt Maintenance and Infrared Repair divisions, learning along the way what it takes to be recognized as a leader: The experienced person with all the answers. It doesn't happen overnight, but it can come to fruition with the right mix of trust, experience, and everyone driving for one goal.

Check this installment out - the sixth in our CEO-Ready video series! Join us again next week as we continue the exploration of this topic.

This week, we're visiting with Samuels & Associates' COO and Principal, Leslie Cohen. Leslie talks with us about how the CEO-Ready cultureplays out in the real estate and development industry. How developing the soft skills and intangibles - along with active learning and working to "fine tune these skills" - leads to better communication, more active listening, and ultimately a stronger executive presence.

Samuels & Associates is known as one of the most creative and entrepreneurial mixed-use developers based in the Boston area. Leslie discusses how leadership often involves taking calculated risks, analyzing all the information available to you but also realizing that the information available is never perfect.

By working continuously and deliberately on developing skills at all levels, everyone in the organization has access to the tools needed to improve communication, to build relationships, and successfully execute strategy.

Check this installment out - the fifth in our CEO-Ready video series! Join us again next week as we continue the exploration of this topic.

CEO-Ready cultureis not just about the pavement industry. This week, we are in Allston at Boston's leading after school and youth development organization - The West End House - with VP of Program Services Mark DaCruz.

Mark discusses how the West End House career development program focuses on helping provide young people with the path and plan to be CEO-Ready for employment and internship opportunities. The West End House is a leading year-round employer of teens in Boston and this program is expanding rapidly due to the depend for "West End House brand" young people: capable, confident, civically-minded youth ready to make an impact.

What are the steps in the preparation process to help young people be CEO-Ready for their careers? Mark explains how the House's program teaches young people the soft skills and intangibles necessary to be successful in the workplace and the community. Ultimately, meeting kids where they are and helping each young person learn to recognize his or her high standard and the "best version of themselves" - all part of the West End House Expect More campaign.

Check out this fourth installment in our video series! Join us next week, to explore more perspectives to the CEO-Ready concept!